Is iOCT the Next Paradigm Shift for Vitreoretinal Surgery?

Intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) is a useful asset when performing macular surgery and other vitreoretinal procedures. Considering the advantages it provides, iOCT may be the next paradigm shift in vitreoretinal surgery according to Justis P. Ehlers, MD.

“The evidence is here and the images are clear,” said Dr. Ehlers, the Norman C. and Donna L. Harbert Endowed Chair of Ophthalmic Research and co-director of iOCT research at the Ophthalmic Imaging Center, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland.

“Show patients their OCT image, then ask if they prefer OCT-assisted surgery, and they will say, ‘yes,’ ” Dr. Ehlers said. “Then ask yourself: ‘Do I want to know exactly what I just did, and do I want objective, immediate feedback on the completion of my surgical objectives.’ My answers to those questions are ‘yes,’ and I imagine they are for other retina specialists.”